Raptor Chapter

This is really just a follow up on a posting by Jericho, who was looking at these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2Pcs-Universal- ... 5b&vxp=mtr

If you look at the parts photo you will see that they use squishy rubber cylinders to hold the mirrors in place. (They also sell two different versions for different internal diameter bars. In fact, mine came with a pair of additional rubbers for the larger diameter – or was it the smaller? The point is they just put a couple in with the existing parts.) Maybe it was me, but I could not get the rubbers to hold the mirrors properly no matter how much I tightened the fixtures. I think I even tried adding steel washers to "improve" the compression effect. Basically, it's a poor solution, IMO.
However, I realised, finally, that the mirror could be fitted over the end of my Renthal bars. The mirror fittings include a large rubber thingy ("sheath"? Sorry, can't think of the correct term) which fits directly inside the mirror arm casting. By putting this on the ends of the bars (which have a knurled effect, for some reason) I could then fit the mirrors and tighten them onto the rubber sheath (?).

I've attached photos which I hope show the fix. I'll do this in several consecutive postings below. Mirror in place:

Actual sequence:
The knurled section is actually the handlebar as supplied by Renthal. Rubber sheath/sleeve from fixing kit supplied: Mirror clamped over sheath/sleeve and in place:

That leaves the original mirror fixing threads exposed and empty and you have a loose front brake reservoir to support. NB: the thread is M10 but with a fine thread. I have yet to shorten them, but I obtained a couple of stainless steel socket button screws from Stig Fasteners:

http://www.a2stainless.co.uk/M10-x-1-25 ... .aspx?nh=3

Arrived next morning.

Here is what they look like in place (tucked-in mode): Not exactly elegant, but when turned outward they are mostly too wide for most traffic conditions, IMO. And with the lollipops gone there goes "Mr. Sensible" as well…

Note the designer anti-slip seat device. Neat.

God, that bike looks such an animal. How on earth are you supposed to behave responsibly?

Great post. Thanks, Bear!

Looks great ,thats how i fitted mine. If you do use the expanders make sure they are the metal type , those hold well but the rubber expanders are only good for bar end weights.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-8-Bar-End-Rea ... dd&vxp=mtr

Maybe these would be a better choice?

Thanks for the tips Bear, looks good!

I'm not usually a fan of bar end mirrors, but I was checking out a 1290 Super Duke the other day that had had very small mirrors installed inboard of the grips, it looked fantastic, really clean. I wish I'd taken a snap but I didn't think to, hopefully I'll be able to see it again soon.

I *think* they might have been these ones, I was watching the dude chat to someone else about them and he seemed to be indicating that the KTM upright riding position meant that he got a good view under his arms. It almost looks like the mirrors can be swivelled 90 degrees whilst on the move, but I'm not 100% sure of that.

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/crg- ... end-mirror

I love these bar ends... Maybe one day I'll them !
http://www.crgmoto.co.uk/crg-arrow-bar- ... r-26-p.asp

BUT now have to look back with this one

Someone else took a pic of the KTM, although it isn't from the angle I'd have taken you can see how unobtrusive the mirrors are, they're almost completely hidden behind the reservoirs!